Inexpensive Good Food in La Jolla & San Diego

Question

Hi all, my husband and I enjoyed our Valentine’s trip so much that we’re coming back to San Diego tomorrow. We’ll be staying in La Jolla the first 4 nights and then will likely book a couple more nights elsewhere.

Last time we stayed in Oceanside and La Jolla and overall we found most of the food to be kind of lackluster and also expensive. Obviously we understand food costs are up everywhere and that things are generally more expensive in California, so not really complaining as much as wanting to find hidden gems.

While we will be spending a lot of time in La Jolla, we do plan on going up to Carlsbad/Oceanside and downtown so really anything along the way would be great.

We love seafood and really pretty much any kind of cuisine. We tend to gravitate towards Mexican, Italian, and Greek/Mediterranean but also enjoy other ethnic food. We do have excellent Mexican food where we live in Tucson but we did enjoy the sauces when we visited The Taco Stand. We also enjoyed Osteria Romantica but felt it was a bit pricey.

So what are your cheap and cheerful restaurant options for either dine in or take out?

We will have a full kitchen in our Airbnb, but were disappointed to see the Hillcrest farmers market is closed this Sunday as is the one in La Jolla. Any good markets on Mondays? We’re going to try to go to the Little Italy Mercato on Wednesday but that will be nearer the end of our trip.

We’re packing some picnic items and our own coffee supplies this time so that will help keep costs down but do want to enjoy all the amazing local items too. Thanks in advance!

Answer

San Diego and La Jolla have a great variety of “cheap and cheerful” food spots that are beloved by locals and often overlooked by tourists. Since you have a kitchen and plan to do some picnics, combining takeout from these spots with your meals can be a fun way to save money while enjoying local flavors.

La Jolla and nearby options:

The Taco Stand: You mentioned enjoying it before, and it remains a great choice for affordable, high-quality Mexican food. Their fish tacos and salsas are consistently praised.
El Pescador Fish Market: Small, casual spot for fresh seafood. You can get poke bowls, fish tacos, or grilled fish sandwiches to take away for a picnic.
Herringbone La Jolla: Slightly pricier than typical casual spots but often considered worth it for seafood lovers. Great for a special lunch without going full fine dining.
Carlsbad and Oceanside: Check out Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill in Carlsbad for casual, fresh seafood and sandwiches. In Oceanside, Harbor Fish and Chips is a local favorite for quick, tasty seafood.
Puesto (La Jolla): Affordable upscale casual Mexican with excellent tacos and quesadillas. Great for takeout and picnic-friendly portions.

Downtown San Diego / Little Italy / Mid-City options:

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto: Classic Italian-American pizza and pasta in Little Italy, moderately priced and family-friendly.
Hodad’s (Ocean Beach): Legendary burgers with generous portions at reasonable prices. Great for a casual meal or takeout picnic.
Kous Kous Moroccan Cuisine: Affordable Mediterranean/Greek options downtown with tasty salads, couscous, and grilled meats.
Las Cuatro Milpas: Traditional Mexican in Barrio Logan, highly rated for tacos, tamales, and burritos. Very inexpensive and authentic.

Farmers Markets and local produce:

While the Hillcrest and La Jolla farmers markets are closed on your Monday, the North Park Farmers Market operates on Mondays in the late afternoon, offering produce, baked goods, and prepared foods.
The Little Italy Mercato on Wednesday is excellent for fresh pasta, seafood, cheeses, and artisanal items. It’s worth the visit even if toward the end of your trip.
Check also for small neighborhood markets in La Jolla and Pacific Beach that sell local produce and baked goods; many have weekday hours.

Additional tips:

Take advantage of picnic spots like La Jolla Shores, Ellen Browning Scripps Park, or Sunset Cliffs for affordable meals with a view.
Ordering takeout early can help you avoid long lines at popular spots.
Some casual seafood markets will even prepare poke bowls or sandwiches to-go, which is ideal for a picnic or beach lunch.

With these options, you’ll have a mix of Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, and fresh seafood experiences without breaking the bank, and you’ll be able to enjoy some meals in scenic outdoor spots around La Jolla and greater San Diego.

Inexpensive Good Food in La Jolla & San Diego

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